{"id":888,"date":"2022-12-27T18:59:03","date_gmt":"2022-12-27T18:59:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.southerncomfortcabinrentals.com\/?page_id=888"},"modified":"2024-06-24T17:50:47","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T17:50:47","slug":"blue-ridge-ga-hiking-trails","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.southerncomfortcabinrentals.com\/blue-ridge-ga-hiking-trails\/","title":{"rendered":"Blue Ridge Area Hiking Trails"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/a>OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue Ridge Area Hiking Trails<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Reconnect with nature and experience the joy of hiking in Blue Ridge and North Georgia with more than 300 miles of trails. Perfect for all experience levels, explore challenging hiking trails that lead to scenic mountain lookouts, roaring waterfalls, rustic bridges, and other points of interest with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. Check out some of the Blue Ridge area\u2019s best hiking trails close to our North Georgia cabin rentals<\/a> such as the Benton MacKaye, Jacks River, Stanley Gap, and other trails.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Map of Area Hiking Trails & Access Points<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Download a free PDF map of area hiking trails, directions, and access points. Challenge yourself on popular Fannin County trails for all difficulties including the Jacks River Falls, Hemp Top, Aska, Swinging Bridge, Three Forks, Amicalola Falls, and other trails.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Amicalola Falls<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A relaxing and rejuvenating return to nature awaits you each time you visit The Lodge at Amicalola Falls. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Blue Ridge, the lodge is located on the top of the mountain in Amicalola Falls State Park, in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The Lodge is perfect for visitors in search of pure relaxation or a home away from home while they explore the regions beauty and recreational offering. It<\/code>s the ideal location to enjoy the traditional charm of a classic mountain lodge while being pampered with a full range of modern conveniences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guests at the Amicalola Falls Lodge are inspired and refreshed when they stay at the lodge, which is just steps away from the 720 foot tall Amicalola Falls, the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi. Plus, the Appalachian Trail Approach Trail, which passes just a few hundred yards from the Lodge, leads from the property to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The lodge`s prized location makes it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to discover the striking beauty of the north Georgia mountains in all its 4 glorious seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accommodations include cabins, camping, and full-service hotel rooms in the lodge. A full-service restaurant provides both traditional Southern and American Cuisine. Weddings at the lodge are always a special occasion and groups of all types find the Amicalola Falls Lodge the ideal location for a retreat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The surrounding area allows visitors to experience whitewater river rafting, trout fishing, horseback riding, as well as an endless variety of festivals throughout the year. There`s shopping at the North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall, and throughout the region, endless opportunities to enjoy the mountains relaxing beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Amicalola Falls State Park<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anna Ruby Falls Trail<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Length 0.4 mile – this trail is paved but rather steep. There are several benches along the trail to rest. Two observation decks offer a beautiful view of the twin falls. Take Highway 76 east to Hiawassee. Then take GA 75 south towards Helen. Turn left on GA 356 for 1.5 miles and left again at the entrance road to Unicoi State Park. Go 3.5 miles to parking area. There is a parking fee. The trail is accessed from the parking lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appalachian Trail<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The starting point of the more than 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail is located at Springer Mountain in southern Fannin County. From Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine, the trail winds 2,056 miles, including 78 miles in Georgia. A favorite of hikers for decades, this legendary trail has several offshoots that vary in difficulty, offering diverse challenges and experiences for adventurers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Benton MacKaye Trail<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Blue Ridge is a Benton MacKaye Trail Town, offering a gateway to this extensive trail that journeys deep into the most remote areas of Fannin County. Beginning at Springer Mountain, the Benton MacKaye Trail stretches 300 miles to the northeast end of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including several trailheads along its path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Georgia, the Benton MacKaye Trail extends from Springer Mountain to Double Spring Gap on the Tennessee border. The first 20 miles of the trail merge with the Appalachian and Duncan Ridge Trails. From Springer Mountain, the trail heads north to Rhodes Mountain, then turns west, crossing the Toccoa River at Shallowford Bridge. It utilizes county roads near Stanley Gap and follows ridge tops to Cherry Log. After crossing private property, the trail continues along state and county roads to Bush Head Gap. The entire trail, marked with white diamonds and blazes on trees, spans 78.6 miles and is suitable for hiking and some mountain biking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The terrain varies from streams and laurel and rhododendron thickets to scenic ridge tops, mature forests, and county roads. The last 7 miles are within the Cohutta Wilderness, where the trail merges with the South Fork, Jacks River, and Hemptop Trails, allowing horse travel within the wilderness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access points to the Benton MacKaye Trail include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n